he teacup back on the table and leaned against her chair, looking sideways at Lei Tengfeng and asked: "This concubine understands what the Young Master means; it is indeed good that we open up trade r...262. The Suffering of Chu Emperor

262. Mo Jingqi Falls Ill

In the early winter of the eighteenth year of Emperor Jing of Great Chu, nomadic tribes from the north invaded northern regions. Emperor Mo Jingqi mobilized thirty thousand elite troops to repel the enemy but suffered a defeat. Out of these thirty thousand soldiers, only around seven or eight thousand managed to escape in disarray. Within a month, several cities had fallen consecutively as Great Chu’s defenders retreated. The northern army pursued all the way to Zijing Pass on the border of Chu, leaving only about four hundred miles between them and the capital.

In December, Emperor Mo Jingqi appointed General Leng Huai as Commander-in-Chief for suppressing the enemy and ordered his eldest son, Cold Qinyu, to serve as deputy commander with forty thousand troops. However, the northern nomadic tribes were fierce warriors who had been fighting for years and were extremely formidable. Even an experienced general like Leng Huai could barely hold off their advance. It was difficult to reclaim the lost territories. The two armies faced each other at Zijing Pass without resolution, causing widespread anxiety among Chu’s people.

Some officials advised moving the capital south to Guangling for safety. Emperor Mo Jingqi naturally refused as southern regions were under Mo Jingli's control. In the capital city, his younger brother was already showing signs of not regarding him highly, and if they moved south, Mo Jingli might even attempt a coup.

Despite this, Emperor Mo Jingqi’s life was far from easy. Daily battle reports piled up at his desk, causing headaches. Moreover, there were refugees flooding into the capital due to war chaos. The city couldn’t accommodate all these displaced people; if left unaided, they could starve, fall ill or freeze to death, potentially sparking a popular uprising before the northern troops even reached the capital.

Seeing piles of documents on his desk, Emperor Mo Jingqi felt a splitting headache. He had no choice but to admit he was less capable than Mo Xiurao. While Mo Xiurao could turn around dire situations in adversity, all he could do now was lash out at the chaos on paper.

In a remote corner of the palace, Empress Dowager Liu sat silently by the window, gazing at the snow outside. Her white fur-lined cloak made her stern face look as cold and icy as an ice sculpture.

Behind her, Tan Jizhi reclined on a soft couch with a heating stove in hand, looking comfortable. He sighed, "Empress Dowager, aren't you cold What's there to see outside except white snow"

Liu glanced back and coldly swept him an eye, asking, "Why are you here" Tan Jizhi smiled, "Of course, I came to help the Empress Dowager." Liu scoffed sarcastically, "Help me You're nothing more than a fugitive in Nanzhao. What use is your meticulous plan with Shu Manlin With one finger movement from Prince Ding or Xu Qingchen, you still run away with your tail between your legs Now that Shu Manlin's gone, what leverage do you have left"

Tan Jizhi’s face changed slightly, his eyes flashing with anger and malice, but he soon smiled again. "Empress Dowager thinks my leverage is only Shu Manlin" Liu calmly looked at him, saying, "What else could there be Do you mean the remnants of the previous dynasty's royal family Lin Yuan did a much better job than you. After all these years of scheming and achieving nothing, you still dare to boast about helping me"

"Shut up!" Tan Jizhi exploded with rage, his expression viciously cruel. "What is Ren Qining worth He's just a fake!" Only he was the rightful heir from the previous dynasty’s royal family; only he was Lin Yuan! Ren Qining was merely an impostor!

Liu snorted and fell silent, her contempt evident in her eyes. Did he think his status as a remnant of the former dynasty was valuable A nearly two-century-old fallen royal family with no support from the populace could hardly rally popular support. Ren Qining might have chosen to start from the northern border precisely because he saw this point clearly. Once he seized power, announcing himself as a descendent of the previous dynasty would reduce resistance to his ascension. People and scholars would naturally prefer such a high-birth former royal heir over an alien emperor.

Seeing Liu's disdain, Tan Jizhi suppressed the malice in his eyes with deep breaths and finally chuckled, "Do you really need nothing Perhaps I could share a very important piece of information with Empress Dowager. Of course, if she isn’t interested, forget it.

Lady Liu frowned slightly, staring at Tan Jizhi somewhat displeased as if considering whether his so-called news was worth her hearing alone. Tan Jizhi leaned back on the soft couch and said with a smile, "Lady Consort, don't worry. This matter... may not necessarily be bad for you." Lady Liu squinted her eyes, implying that it could still potentially be bad news. "Go ahead," she replied.

Tan Jizhi raised an eyebrow and said, "Prince Li bought a miraculous medicine from the Holy Land of Southern Frontier." Lady Liu met his gaze coldly without even batting an eyelash, her indifferent expression suggesting that it had nothing to do with her.

Tan Jizhi laughed out loud as he looked at Lady Liu. "I like your temperament, Lady Consort. It's truly heartless and cruel, which is quite admirable."

That was probably why Prince Ding didn't fancy such women. No matter how beautiful they were, their coldness could freeze a statue to death, with hearts as indifferent and ruthless that even men would bow to them. On the other hand, Lady Consort Ding was calm yet elegant in her demeanor, radiant when she moved. She had compassion but could also be merciless; gentle yet strong-willed, outstanding capabilities, a devoted husband, and an extraordinary status without any arrogance or tyranny. Such women were what every man dreamed of having. How much did Lady Liu's looks and talents mean to truly exceptional men

Of course, he would never tell this proud woman these thoughts. Lady Liu frowned at Tan Jizhi, unsure why she felt that his words weren't entirely complimentary. Yet it didn't matter to her; she had never given him a second thought, so naturally, she wouldn't care about his opinion of her.

"Lady Consort, are you really not interested in what Prince Li bought Or perhaps... don’t you want to know who he intends to give the medicine to" Tan Jizhi said with a smile. Lady Liu's thoughts stirred as she calmly looked at Tan Jizhi.

Tan Jizhi knew her well and understood that this had piqued her interest. He didn't hide anything, saying with a smile, "Indeed, it’s what you’re thinking. It’s for the use of someone in the Imperial Study Room. Moreover, based on my guess, I suspect he has been using it for over a month now." Lady Liu frowned and said, "The Emperor is not unwell." Tan Jizhi laughed and said, "Of course there would be no discomfort, quite the contrary, his health will be excellent. However, once he stops taking the medicine or continues its use too long, Emperor might suffer greatly. The original supply was plentiful, but after Princess Anxi ascended to the throne, the Holy Land of Southern Frontier rebelled and burnt down to ashes in a fire. There’s no more medicine... at most, there won’t be enough for half a year left in Mo Xiuyao's possession."

Lady Liu frowned thoughtfully and asked, "What do you want"

Tan Jizhi smiled indifferently, saying, "What I desire… is something Lady Consort might not currently be able to give. Why don’t we wait until she can before discussing it"

Lady Liu lowered her eyes, concealing the sharp light and killing intent in them as she replied calmly, "Alright, anything within my power to do will I agree to. However, what can you do for me now" Tan Jizhi smiled and said, "I have been by Mo Jingqi’s side for over a decade, nobody knows better than I when he would take actions or what kind of matters he might handle. Isn’t that enough Besides, don't Lady Liu want to know who are the real confidants of Mo Jingqi And… I can help you deal with Prince Li." Lady Liu's eyes flickered before nodding slowly after some time, "It’s a deal then; hope you won’t disappoint me."

Tan Jizhi said with a smile, "Lady Consort will see."

In the nineteenth year of Emperor Jingdi’s reign, it was undoubtedly one of the worst years since the founding of Great Chu. Hardly had the New Year passed when news arrived from the border that Leng Huai suffered a major defeat and sought assistance. Knowing that the Purple Flower Pass was less than four hundred miles from the capital, with fast horses, one could reach it within a day; if such distance resulted in another defeat, an enemy army would be at their doorstep soon. Moreover, just after receiving Leng Huai’s request for help, Mo Jingqi fell ill.

Although he勉強支撐著上朝，但是明眼人隻要看那蠟黃的臉色和萎靡的精神就能看得出來皇帝病得極重了。兩家事情疊加在一起，更是讓人覺得暗無天日，彷彿大楚氣數將儘了。墨景祈勉強支撐著調集了支援冷淮的兵馬和糧草就病倒在**一病不起。

寢殿裡，已經吃齋唸佛不問世事許久的太後和一直閉門養病的皇後都出現了。同時在房間裡等著的還有黎王，柳貴妃柳丞相和幾位皇室的王爺。

In the palace, where Empress Dowager had long been chanting scriptures and praying without concerning herself with state affairs, and Empress, who was in seclusion due to illness, both appeared. Alongside them waited Prince Li, Lady Liu, Chancellor Liu, and several royal princes of the imperial family.

After the imperial physician took his pulse, Empress Dowager asked anxiously: "Physician, what is His Majesty's condition"

The physician who had taken the pulse frowned and respectfully said: "His Majesty seems to have taken some harmful drugs... coupled with the stress of his duties, his health has suddenly deteriorated."

Empress Dowager abruptly stood up: "What do you mean by harmful drugs! Is someone poisoning the Emperor" The physician shook his head repeatedly and apologized: "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. You misunderstand my meaning... It seems that His Majesty took some taboo substances, which is why he injured himself." Everyone in the bedchamber instantly changed their expressions, appearing somewhat bewildered. The so-called taboo drugs were mostly things like Wu Shisan (Five Stones Powder) or aphrodisiacs. Historically, there were indeed dynasties where Wu Shisan was widely consumed, but from previous dynasties to the Great Chu, it had always been listed as a prohibited drug. If this became public knowledge, both the Emperor's and the imperial family’s reputation would be ruined.

"Emperor! You are truly foolish!" Empress Dowager glared at her eldest son with anger. Although she did not dote on him like she did her younger son, she certainly didn’t wish for his death. Seeing him lying weakly in bed now, all she felt was frustration and disappointment.

Meng Jingqi opened his mouth but restrained the agony gnawing at his heart, frowning as he said: "I haven't..." He knew no one would believe him because his symptoms indeed resembled those of someone addicted to Wu Shisan. However, he knew what effects Wu Shisan had on a person and was certain that he never took such taboo drugs.

His gaze fell upon Meng Jingli standing by the side, and suddenly something occurred to him; he glared fiercely at Meng Jingli. How could Meng Jingli miss the look He stepped forward with his usual stern face now displaying a faint smile. "Brother Emperor, is there anything you need"

"You... it was you..." That slight smile looked like mockery and arrogance to Meng Jingqi; he pointed at Meng Jingli as he panted.

Meng Jingli showed no fear of his plot being exposed but remained respectful. "What is Brother Emperor talking about I don’t understand."

The Minister Liuxing, who had been prepared to strike hard upon the opportunity, stepped forward and said: "Your Highness Prince Li, the Emperor clearly means you gave him harmful drugs!"

Meng Jingqi glanced at Minister Liuxing and nodded in agreement. This emboldened Minister Liuxing even more; he pointed at Meng Jingli sternly and shouted: "Prince Li! How dare you!"

"Reckless!" Empress Dowager scolded, her cold eyes fixed on Minister Liuxing. "Prince Li and the Emperor are full brothers; how can Prince Li harm him In times of great peril, as a minister, if you do not assist His Majesty but instead sow discord among his brothers, what crime is this"

Minister Liuxing frowned and said: "Empress Dowager, the Emperor’s words are clear. Even without evidence to prove it, attempting to harm the Emperor is a serious crime; shouldn’t Prince Li be apprehended for investigation first"

Empress Dowager stared at Meng Jingqi with tears in her eyes and asked: "Emperor, do you truly think so Do you believe that Lieri intends to harm you Without any evidence, you suspect your own brother; are you also planning to lock me up, your mother" Meng Jingli stepped forward and said respectfully: "Brother Emperor, please see through this matter clearly. I would never harbor murderous intent towards Brother Emperor. If Brother Emperor does not believe in my innocence, just order me killed."

Meng Jingqi glared hatefully at Meng Jingli with eyes that seemed to wish him dead but was speechless. His limbs felt as if they were being gnawed by countless ants; if he weren’t so concerned about his dignity, he would have rolled on the bed and cried out in pain long ago. The corner of his mouth twitched, and Meng Jingqi managed to say a few words: "Get out! All of you get out!" Everyone was stunned; Minister Liuxing looked at Meng Jingqi anxiously. At this moment, he should be pressing his advantage to apprehend Prince Li.

But since the emperor had spoken, others naturally could not stay. The Empress Dowager stood up and said, "Then I'll take my leave. Hope you get well soon." Leading the way out first, everyone else followed suit to bid farewell. Mo Jingli walked last, turning his head to look back at Mo Jinglei lying on the bed, a strange smile appearing on his face.

Returning to Zhangde Palace, Mo Jingli said respectfully to the Empress Dowager, "Mother, I thank Mother..."

"Snap!" Before he could finish speaking, another slap landed swiftly and fiercely across Mo Jingli's face. The words in his mouth died down as he raised his head up at the Empress Dowager. Her eyes were cold but filled with sorrow and disappointment, "Li'er! What great audacity you have to dare poison Qi'er so viciously He is your own elder brother! Don't tell me that you've lost your humanity"

Mo Jingli wanted to explain himself, "Mother, it was..." The Empress Dowager waved her hand coldly and said, "No need for explanations! I am not yet senile!" Mo Jingli dropped his hands covering half of his face. This slap from the Empress Dowager wasn't a mere pretense; several red and swollen finger marks had already appeared on Mo Jingli's face. Mo Jingli no longer tried to argue, saying coldly, "Mother is right. What if I did poison him Do you also wish to lock me up like that old man surnamed Liu"

Although she knew it was Mo Jingli who had done this, when she heard the words from his mouth herself, Empress Dowager's heart was stirred and could not help but shed tears. Her previously well-maintained good looks suddenly looked more than ten years older as she wept bitterly on her magnificent phoenix chair, "What a calamity! How did I give birth to such two idiots! I對不起先皇，對不起墨家列祖列宗啊."

Mo Jingli watched the Empress Dowager's tearful face with a cold eye and felt no regret in his heart. The one who had stirred up his ambition was none other than this mother before him, who was now wailing. It was only because she was displeased with her brother emperor gradually slipping out of her control that she wanted to depose him and push Mo Jingli into power. Throughout history, the contention for the throne has always been bloody and fierce. Could she really blame him for his ruthlessness Unfortunately, once an arrow is shot, there's no turning back; from the moment he started nurturing ambition, he and Mo Jinglei were destined to be enemies.

"Li'er... Qi'er is your elder brother! Give him the antidote. Mother will protect you." The Empress Dowager finally cried herself out of breath and said in a hoarse voice.

Mo Jingli curled his lips with a mocking smile, "Mother, having been a dowager empress for more than ten years, you seem even naiver."

The Empress Dowager was stunned as she glared coldly at the son who looked so familiar yet strange.

Mo Jingli calmly said, "I won't say I don't have an antidote. Even if I did... I wouldn't give it to him. Do you really think that Mo Jinglei would let me off after he's healed"

The Empress Dowager was so angered by his cold-hearted words that she began trembling, pointing at Mo Jingli and angrily shouting, "You... You beast! You..." Having struggled all her life for power, now over sixty years old, she truly felt exhausted. She only hoped that both of her sons would be safe and sound, but why did this happen when she was already in her sixties This must be... retribution

Mo Jingli said indifferently with a smile, "If so, why didn't Mother follow the old man surnamed Liu's wishes before and lock me up directly In Mother's eyes, isn't there something more important than her son"

The Empress Dowager was silent as she pointed at Mo Jingli but couldn't find any words. True... in her heart, there was always something more important than her sons, which was power. If Qi'er is no longer capable, then Li'er must not have anything happen to him; otherwise, if anything happens to Qi'er, the throne will definitely be taken by one of the two princes born from Consort Liu. The Empress Dowager had never been on good terms with Consort Liu and her family; what benefit would there be for her if Consort Liu's son became emperor Even though the Grand Empress Dowager was revered, a grandmother could never match a mother in affection, not to mention that Consort Liu's sons weren't close to her. But even so, this didn't mean she was willing to have her younger son kill his elder one.

"You..." The Empress Dowager looked at the son with gloomy expression before her and found herself at a loss for words.ive them to me Isn’t it that the Prince of Li wants to take advantage of this lady and use my background from the Xu family of Yunzhou and the power of the Qilin troops at my disposal”Mojing Li’s expr...